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Tom Miranda, ESPN Outdoors - 2003
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Booking 2004 & 2005
 te Creek Outfitters has been providing the discriminating hunter with the best opportunity to harvest North America's premier big game trophies; the Rocky Mountain Elk and Mule Deer since 1979. Our dedication lies in providing each client with the opportunity of a lifetime to harvest and obtain a trophy class mature animal and because of our dedication to these two species, we hunt the two exclusively. New to the UCO list of trophy game is Merriam Spring Turkey hunts. Louis Trujillo, who has over 20 years of extensive experience in hunting Elk and Mule Deer, and Lee Vigil with over 15 years behind his belt are dedicated outdoorsmen with the necessary expertise and resources available to provide you the best opportunity to harvest a trophy bull or buck. The staff at UCO are knowledgeable, dedicated and have an extreme interest in providing a true adventure in trophy hunting.
"We are dedicated to trophy hunting only. We spend numerous hours during the off-season locating and tracking elk and mule deer in their natural habitat and continue to track their movement during the hunting season to help assure our clients of a true trophy adventure with a high probability of harvest. We understand the critters we hunt, and our clients harvest only trophy class animals." - Lee Vigil
Our hunts are conducted on the Rio Costilla Park Ranch. This private ranch is located in north central New Mexico and encompasses over 82,000 acres of pristine mountain terrain, grassy meadows, granite rock faces, river bottoms and High Mountain clean air. Few areas in America can boast of finer elk and mule deer hunting. Rio Costilla Park is part of the triangle of magical names known to experienced hunters…Vermejo Park and Valle Vidal. Located within what is known as Game Management Unit 55, Rio Costilla Park is the third jewel, and the most accessible. New Mexico Unit #55 has continuously for the past five years maintained an elk harvest rate of  over 70%. There is no question that the unit and the Rio Costilla Park Ranch have an abundance of elk and mule deer. The Rio Costilla Park management is second to none. Only a limited amount of hunters are allowed to harvest, and with a 5 X 5 or better policy on elk and 4 X 4 on mule deer, trophy game has become abundant. The ranch has employed trophy game management strategies for over 20 years.
An average trophy bull will score 300-340 BC points. Bulls in the range of 350 to 400 have been spotted on the ranch, but are the exception. An average Mule Deer will range from 135 to 180. Again, larger deer have been spotted and logged. There are no drawing requirements to receive a license for either species we hunt. Because we hunt Rio Costilla Park private land exclusively, licenses are guaranteed. Because both of us are members/owners of the Ranch, we can obtain hunting opportunities and make them available to the general public. As members/owners we also know every inch of the ranch and have studied the game, habitat and environment for over 20 years. We are locals and spend numerous personal hours watching, spotting and logging down our findings. Assuring upon your arrival to have game located in several areas of the ranch.
ELK
Bow
We hunt the old-fashioned way, call, stalk and ambush. During the September bow hunts, calling is our preferred method of hunting elk. We use several calling methods to entice trophy bulls to enter shooting lanes. Most shots are taken from 10 to 40 yards out. We have been very successful utilizing tree stands, ground blinds and decoys. By far, the bow hunt is the most exciting of all elk hunting. Nothing brings more excitement and heart pounding action than a bull bugling in total rage less than 100 yards from set-up. We are seasoned bow hunters as well and understand the special needs of bow hunters. We outfit our clients right in the heart of the park utilizing camper trailers equipped with all the resources necessary to make your hunt a true trophy adventure. We also have a lodge facility that can be used for those not willing to rough-it. This is a very physical hunt and requires that the hunter be in top shape and willing to hike many miles, and in some case run to maneuver on set-ups or ambush.
- See our Photo Gallery -
Rifle
 The early rifle hunts for trophy bulls are conducted in early October during the rut. Calling is a good method for locating bulls and most harvests are done by stalking and ambushing. There are a number of areas within the ranch that are used by the elk to socialize and mate during the rutting period. We will set-up clients in strategic areas and wait for the game to enter. As we are always with you during the ambush, we can tell you if it is a harvestable trophy and even range him. We never leave you alone. Most rifle shots range from 75 to 250 yards. Other methods of hunting include walking, tree stands, ground blinds and the use of 4wheel drives to get to prime elk habitat. Later hunts are conducted utilizing 4wheel drive vehicles to get to strategic locations. Snow is usually prevalent, making tracking and locating of animals much easier. Bulls are found in bachelor herds and in the farmlands providing an excellent opportunity to harvest a trophy class bull. It is not unusual to see 300-400 elk in herd during the late season hunts. During the early season rifle hunts we use a combination of camper trailers and lodge facility depend on the hunter. During the late season elk hunts we utilize the lodge facility exclusively for outfitting our hunters.
Muzzle Loader
The Rio Costilla incorporated this unique hunt in 2000. This hunt takes place in mid-October and actually replaces a regular rifle hunt. It is conducted after the 1st and 2nd regular rifle bugle hunts. The rationale behind this unique opportunity is; since the bulls will be pulling out of the rut at this time, their concentration shifts from breeding to feeding. This is an excellent time to find bulls in a feeding frenzy in an attempt to build up weight lost during the rut and preparing for the long cold winter. The ranch limits the number of hunts made available during this hunt. We strategically set up tree stands and ground blinds in areas frequented by feeding bulls taking advantage of their need to feed. In some cases we use feeding calls to attract the elk into grassy meadows and open areas. This is an excellent hunt for the black powder hunter. Hunters are outfitted in camping trailers or the lodge facility dependent upon the weather or a combination of the two dependent on the client’s wishes. There are only a few of these very popular black powder trophy elk hunts available each year.
MULE DEER
The ranch only recently opened Mule Deer hunting to the public. Only after evidence indicative of an abundance of trophy class mule deer did management open up the opportunity to hunt these elusive Timber Bucks or Chivatos. The Mule Deer hunts are conducted in early to late November. Preferred methods of hunting this wiley trophy are to locate high vantage points, glass and then stalk. Long range shooting may be required to harvest the mature timber buck, which roam the high mountain country. Snow and cold weather may move the bucks down and offer the opportunity to track and stalk as well. A well-placed ground blind in active deer areas is also a good strategy. This is a 2 guides to 1 hunter ratio. In this manner, we can spot several areas out at once and with the use of radios communicate, plan and stalk a trophy class buck. This hunt is an excellent opportunity to harvest a 160-200 class buck, in excess of 250 pounds in most cases. This is an exciting and truly adventurous hunt for the trophy-minded hunter. We outfit our hunters in the comfort of our lodge facility. The trophy mule deer hunts are limited, and only a few hunts are made available by the Rio Costilla Park.
MERRIAM TURKEY
This year, Rio Costilla Park management made available a limited amount of spring turkey permits. In the past ten years the numbers of these striking fowls has increased expansively. Every year we see more and more trophy gobblers. Our famous neighbor, Vermejo Park and their efforts to increase numbers by reintroduction in the early 80’s was a great success, as the number of these birds has increased well beyond their borders onto the Rio. This is an exciting and adventurous hunt for turkey enthusiasts. Because the birds have had very little hunting pressure calling in a gobbler with little apprehension from the bird is achieved. We locate flocks in various feeding areas throughout the ranch in early spring and the calling begins as well as the action. Hunts are three day hunts which include all guiding and outfitting, trophy and meat care. This is a two bird hunt conducted in mid-April to early May. Email us for additional information including dates, prices and licensing.
- See our Photo Gallery -
ANTELOPE
We recently secured the lease on a 7,000 acre private ranch in northeastern New Mexico, 32 miles east of Springer, located in hunting unit 55. The ranch has received limited hunting pressures and has a healthy number of resident antelope within its boundary. Of this population, a number of trophy class bucks are prevalent ranging from 14 to 17 inches. You can expect a 100% harvest rate for upcoming seasons.
SERVICES
Ute Creek Outfitters provides all outfitting including, lodging, meals trophy/meat care and licensing assistance. You can expect home cooked, hardy meals prepared by our staff. All hunts are trophy hunts and are 1 guide per 1 hunter, with the exception of the mule deer hunts, which are 2X1. During the bow and early rifle bugle hunts we set  up camp right in the heart of the Park using camping trailers so as to have better access to hunting areas. We also have a comfortable lodge facility located in the village of Costilla offering showers, beds, bathrooms, TV, and phone access. During the winter hunts including elk and deer, we use the lodge exclusively.
Meals will be prepared early morning and late evening upon return from the hunt. A sack lunch will be provided, or lunch prepared back at camp or lodge. Hunters will be contacted prior to their hunt so as to discuss the types of meals preferred. Special arrangements can be made in advance. We want you prepared for your hunt so as to receive the best opportunity to harvest a trophy animal. There is a fee for any non-hunting partners accompanying the paid client.
Other Available Services
We have partnered with a local meat processor who can process your elk or mule deer for a discounted fee. We also have access to an award-winning taxidermist who can professionally mount your harvested trophy for fee as well. Documenting your trophy hunt is another exciting service that we offer. A professional video cameraman will document you and your party as you hunt the Rio for trophy game. Mind you, harvesting your trophy is more important than getting your kill on video, but having your hunting excursion documented in high resolution video is the icing on the cake. A professional cameraman has joined our staff at Ute Creek Outfitters, and for a nominal fee can record and document your hunt.
HUNTER REQUIREMENTS
Hunters are required to provide their own personal items such as clothing, sleeping bags, rifle, bow, muzzle loader, binoculars, range finders ect… It is recommended that for elk a rifle of .30 caliber or better be used. For Mule Deer, a minimum of a .270 is required. All hunters must obtain the private land license prior to the hunt and  must check in with ranch personnel and execute the landowner's agreement and trespass contract. Physical fitness is required. The closest airports are in Alamosa, Colorado, and Taos, New Mexico. We pick-up and deliver our clients at no extra cost.
VIDEO TAPE
We have an excellent 20 minute videotape of the 2002 season available for viewing. If you have an interest in hunting with UCO you can actually see what we have to offer in services and most of all trophy elk, mule deer and bear by viewing this video tape. Or if you just love video footage of big game in the wild, this video is a must. Watch as a 5x6 bull walks 30 yards from a strategically located ground blind where a client and Lee sit and watch as he bugles in total testosterone rage. If you’d like to purchase this action packed video, email us and we’ll mail one out to you for the total price of $7.95, the cost of shipping and handling.
- See our Photo Gallery -
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We'd like to hear from you! For additional information on costs, dates references and availability of hunts please contact us at the following:
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Visit our other web site also, at:
www.utecreekoutfitters.net
For more information, call:
Elias "Lee" Vigil
Ute Creek Outfitters
(505) 753-1730
fax - (505) 753-2978
P.O. Box 542
Santa Cruz, NM 87567
or send e-mail to:
utecreekoutfitters@hotmail.com
(click above on e-mail address to send e-mail)
  
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